1. Our Commitment
LottoBestNZ is committed to promoting responsible gaming practices and providing a safe environment for all our users. We understand that while lottery games can be entertaining, they should never negatively impact your life, relationships, or financial wellbeing.
Our commitment includes:
- Providing clear, accessible information about responsible gaming practices
- Offering tools and resources to help you maintain control over your gaming activities
- Supporting problem gambling prevention and awareness initiatives in New Zealand
- Partnering with accredited support organizations to ensure help is available when needed
- Maintaining strict age verification to protect minors from gambling activities
2. Safe Play Guidelines
Follow these guidelines to ensure your gaming remains enjoyable and within safe boundaries:
- Set a budget: Only spend what you can afford to lose. Never use money meant for bills, rent, or other essentials.
- Set time limits: Decide in advance how much time you'll spend on gaming activities.
- Keep it fun: Gaming should be entertainment, not a way to make money or solve financial problems.
- Take breaks: Regular breaks help you maintain perspective and control.
- Don't chase losses: Accept losses as part of the game and never try to win back what you've lost.
- Balance your life: Maintain other hobbies, interests, and social connections.
- Stay sober: Avoid gaming when under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Know the odds: Understand that lottery games are games of chance with low odds of winning.
3. Self-Assessment Tool
Ask yourself these questions honestly to assess whether your gaming habits are healthy:
- Do you spend more money on lottery tickets than you intended?
- Have you borrowed money or sold possessions to fund gaming?
- Do you feel restless or irritable when not playing?
- Have you lied to family or friends about your gaming activities?
- Does gaming interfere with your work, studies, or relationships?
- Do you play to escape from problems or feelings of depression?
- Have you tried to cut down but found it difficult?
- Do you feel guilty about your gaming habits?
If you answered "yes" to two or more questions, you may be developing problematic gaming habits. Consider reaching out to support services listed below.
4. Setting Limits
Establishing clear limits is one of the most effective ways to maintain control over your gaming:
Spending Limits
Set a weekly or monthly budget for lottery tickets. Track your spending and never exceed your predetermined amount.
Time Limits
Decide how much time you'll dedicate to gaming activities. Use reminders or alarms to help you stick to your schedule.
Frequency Limits
Choose specific days for gaming and stick to them. Avoid daily participation if it's becoming routine.
Loss Limits
Set a maximum loss amount. If you reach it, stop playing and accept the loss without trying to recover it.
5. Warning Signs
Be aware of these warning signs that may indicate problem gambling:
Behavioral Signs
- Increasing time and money spent on gaming
- Neglecting work, family, or personal responsibilities
- Borrowing money or selling possessions
- Lying about gaming activities
- Becoming defensive when questioned about gaming
Emotional Signs
- Mood swings related to wins or losses
- Anxiety or depression
- Restlessness when not gaming
- Guilt or shame about gaming habits
- Using gaming to escape problems
6. Support Resources
If you or someone you know needs help with problem gambling, these New Zealand resources are available:
Gambling Helpline NZ
0800 654 655
Free, confidential support available 24/7. Call, text, or use online chat services.
gamblinghelpline.co.nz
Problem Gambling Foundation
0800 664 262
Free counseling and support services for individuals and families affected by problem gambling.
pgf.nz
Māori Helpline
0800 654 656
Culturally appropriate support services for Māori communities.
Asian Helpline
0800 862 342
Support services in multiple Asian languages including Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese.
7. Self-Exclusion Program
If you feel you need to take a break from lottery gaming, self-exclusion programs can help:
- What is self-exclusion? A voluntary program that allows you to restrict your access to gaming activities for a set period.
- How it works: You can register for self-exclusion through official lottery retailers and operators in New Zealand.
- Duration: Self-exclusion periods typically range from 6 months to permanent exclusion, depending on your needs.
- Coverage: Self-exclusion applies across all participating lottery retailers and online platforms in New Zealand.
- Support during exclusion: Access to counseling and support services throughout your exclusion period.
To learn more about self-exclusion programs in New Zealand, contact the Gambling Helpline at 0800 654 655 or visit gamblinghelpline.co.nz.
8. Underage Protection
Protecting minors from gambling is a critical responsibility. In New Zealand, you must be 18 or older to participate in lottery games.
- Age verification: Always verify age before purchasing or gifting lottery tickets.
- Parental responsibility: Keep lottery tickets and gaming materials out of reach of children.
- Education: Talk to young people about the risks of gambling and the importance of playing responsibly.
- Monitor access: Be aware of your children's online activities and ensure they cannot access age-restricted gaming platforms.
- Set an example: Model responsible gaming behavior for young people in your life.
If you suspect a minor is engaging in gambling activities, contact the appropriate authorities or support services immediately.
9. For Family & Friends
If someone you care about is struggling with problem gambling, here's how you can help:
1
Recognize the Signs
Learn about the warning signs of problem gambling and approach the situation with empathy and understanding.
2
Start a Conversation
Choose a calm moment to express your concerns without judgment. Use "I" statements like "I'm worried about..." rather than accusations.
3
Provide Information
Share information about support resources and encourage professional help. Offer to help them contact support services.
4
Set Boundaries
Protect yourself and other family members. Avoid lending money or enabling gambling behavior.
5
Seek Support for Yourself
Problem gambling affects entire families. Consider counseling or support groups for family members of problem gamblers.
For questions about our responsible gaming policies or to report concerns, please contact us:
For immediate help with problem gambling, please contact the Gambling Helpline at 0800 654 655 (available 24/7).